Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, Concludes Seminar on Building China-Pakistan Community of Shared Destiny in the New Era

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs (SAPM), Syed Tariq Fatemi, concluded a two-day Seminar on Building China-Pakistan Community of Shared Destiny in the New Era, jointly co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad at Pakistan-China Friendship Centre today (6 August). The Seminar was largely attended by prominent scholars and researchers from China and Pakistan.

Warmly congratulating the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and the China Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for co-organizing the Seminar, Mr. Fatemi conveyed his gratitude to the Chinese and Pakistani Scholars and Researchers for their valuable contribution to the various sub-themes of the Seminar, ranging from “Development of China-Pakistan Relations” to “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”, covering “Counter Terrorism” and “Regional and Afghanistan issues. He said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the new Chinese leadership have laid the foundation of the landmark concept of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which was a manifestation of the commitment of the leadership of the two countries, to further promoting bilateral relations that are based on convergence of views and interests.

The SAPM said under the CPEC, far-reaching agreements have been finalized between the two countries that would enhance and fortify existing excellent relations between Pakistan and China. The projects would generate more employment opportunities as well as economic activities to bring peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Successful implementation of these projects would not only benefit China and Pakistan, but transform the whole region, he added. Enhancing connectivity between Pakistan and China is of great importance to expanding economic and trade cooperation, promoting economic integration, and fostering economic development of the two countries.

The SAPM said that Pakistan-China relations are all-weather and deep-rooted. This relationship has withstood the test of time. Both countries have maintained an everlasting friendship having cooperative relationship, whether it is economic, defence, international affairs and culture. He emphasized that the tangible benefits from our excellent strategic and political relations should accrue to the peoples of the two countries. It is our shared objective to work together for realizing the goal of shared prosperity, he added.

The Head of Chinese Scholars’ delegation, Ambassador (R) Zhou Gang said that Pakistan is a great country with a time-honoured history and rich culture. He said that Pakistan-China friendly exchanges are rooted in history. The ancient Silk Road connected us together. He said that our experience of friendship with Pakistan has strengthened our conviction that Pakistan-China friendship is rock-firm and full of vitality. He was of the view that exchanges of scholars between the two countries are invaluable asset for both countries and should continue in future, as well. He said that Pakistan has taken an active part in the regional cooperation process of South Asia and always stood for resolving differences through peaceful dialogue and worked with other countries in South Asia to promote prosperity and development in this region, thus contributing greatly to regional and international security. He remarked that China was happy to see Pakistan playing an important and constructive role in regional and international affairs.

The SAPM assured the participants that recommendations and suggestions that have come out of the four sessions would be given due consideration while formulating policies and responses on the issues discussed during the seminar.

Islamabad
6 August 2014

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